Healthcare is a demanding profession that requires physical and emotional resilience. We often focus on caring for others, sometimes neglecting our own well-being. Self-care is vital to prevent burnout, reduce stress, and maintain overall health. As healthcare professionals, it is important for us to take time to care for ourselves.

We all know that eating healthy, exercising, stress management, and getting enough sleep are key to a healthy lifestyle. But how can we incorporate these aspects into our busy lives?

Here are a few practical tips:

Meal planning, focusing on having healthy options readily available.  Packing snacks for work, such as nuts/seeds, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, tuna and cutting up fruits and vegetables. Utilizing grocery delivery or pick up to save time.

Find exercise that you enjoy and look forward to. Join a gym or exercise class for the social and physical benefits. Get out in nature and explore. Even just a walk in the neighborhood can be beneficial: listening to the birds, noticing plants, flowers, and trees.

Stress is released when we participate in activities that bring us joy. What brings you joy? Connection with family/friends, creating something, baking, artistic expression, a bike ride, journaling, or other form of writing, listening to music or a podcast, cuddling with a pet, gardening, getting a massage or pedicure. Find your joy!

Prioritize sleep, trying to get 7-9 hours per night. Take a nap if your body is tired. Before bedtime, try disconnecting from screens (tv, computer, cell phone) and calm your mind. Meditation or yoga may be beneficial.

Excessive work hours may prevent you from getting the rest you need to function safely at work. If a facility is asking you to work more than 60 hours per week, please notify your recruiter and the scheduler. We want to make sure you are getting the rest you need between shifts. By caring for ourselves, we can better care for others and contribute to a positive, healthy work environment!

Jessica Chavez, MBA, MSN, RN
Director of Quality Management
Accountable Healthcare Staffing